Book Description

New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge presents Bones and Roses, the first book in her exciting new Cypress Bay Mysteries series!

Welcome to the northern California seaside town of Cypress Bay, where the surf's up, the sixties live on and long-buried secrets are about to surface.

From home invasions to cheating spouses, Rest Easy Property Management owner Leticia "Tish" Ballard thought she'd seen it all. Almost four years sober after flambéing her real estate career in an alcohol-fueled blowout, she's finally in a good place in her life when the discovery of skeletal human remains rocks her world and plunges her headlong into solving a decades-old crime. Now she must delve into the darkness of her own past, including the one-night stand gone horribly wrong with Spence Breedlove, who happens to be the lead detective on the case. When the truth comes out at long last, Tish finds herself pitted against an enemy who will stop at nothing in a fight for her own life.

New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge presents Bones and Roses, the first book in her exciting new Cypress Bay Mysteries series!

Welcome to the northern California seaside town of Cypress Bay, where the surf's up, the sixties live on and long-buried secrets are about to surface.

From home invasions to cheating spouses, Rest Easy Property Management owner Leticia "Tish" Ballard thought she'd seen it all. Almost four years sober after flambéing her real estate career in an alcohol-fueled blowout, she's finally in a good place in her life when the discovery of skeletal human remains rocks her world and plunges her headlong into solving a decades-old crime. Now she must delve into the darkness of her own past, including the one-night stand gone horribly wrong with Spence Breedlove, who happens to be the lead detective on the case. When the truth comes out at long last, Tish finds herself pitted against an enemy who will stop at nothing in a fight for her own life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Eileen Goudge's first book in the Cypress Bay Mystery series catches the reader in a strong undertow of a plot. Before you know it, you're being drawn in, out, and under. Expect to become immersed with the indomitable heroine, Tish Ballard, the cast of colorful secondary characters, and Eileen Goudge's trademark storytelling."--Sandra Brown

"It was a pleasure to read such a sophisticated, cleverly crafted mystery with complex, intricately drawn characters who rarely behave in the way you expect. I was fascinated by everyone in this story and never saw the end coming. Welcome to the world of amateur sleuths, Tish Ballard! May you have a long and satisfying career."--Donna Ball, author of TheRaine Stockton Dog Mysteries

"The legion of readers who devour Eileen Goudge's dark and densely-plotted novels in which average women discover the depths of their emotional strength through adversity will no doubt fall in love with the heroine of her Cypress Bay Mystery series. Resort rental agent Tish Ballard is gorgeous, funny, and accessorized with the sort of sourball bittersweetness that comes with living a fast life in a tiny seaside hamlet whose full-time residents have long memories for her pre-AA alcohol-induced antics. In Bones and Roses, a grisly inheritance answers one very important question about the decades-old mystery that changed Tish's life for the worst. Even more importantly, it a fast and furious opening act for a new mystery series."--Josie Brown, author of The Housewife Assassin's Handbook series

From the Author

I'm the author of 15 women's fiction novels and a voracious reader who got hooked on books reading Nancy Drew under the bedcovers by flashlight as a young girl. Maybe that's why I jumped genres with Bones and Roses, my first mystery novel. I couldn't resist the lure. Much of it was written in the early morning hours while it was still dark out (not by flashlight, thankfully!) because the story in my head wouldn't sleep. This is also the first novel of mine that has my handprints all over it--I conceived, wrote, and published it all by my little old self. Click "Look Inside" to enjoy an excerpt and visit me on my website, Twitter or Facebook to let me know what you think of the book!

A special thank you to INscribe Digital and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Eileen Goudge is back, stronger than ever with BONES AND ROSES, the first book in her exciting new Cypress Bay Mysteries series. Filled with lovable characters, razor sharp humor, and tons of drama for a page-turner mystery charmer!

In Northern California and the seaside town of Cypress Bay, readers meet the vacation rental queen, Leticia “Tish” Ballard, the former real estate broker, and recovering alcoholic, presently the owner of her own company, Rest Easy Property Management. She gave up the suits, and hectic life of real estate sales for flip flops and a more laid back lifestyle, where she takes care of the owner’s homes and prepares them for the guest arrival.

Currently, Tish is dating Daniel (comfortable, not sizzling), enjoys spending time with her BFF Ivy, and taking care of her very high IQ troubled adult brother, Arthur (he is a riot). However, her head begins spinning when she is left with a storage unit with a mysterious trunk filled with skeletal remains and opens up a past, and a crime (s), never solved.

Of course, while she puts herself front and center of the investigation, she has to come face to face with her old high school sweetheart, and lead detective, Spence, plus a number of other eccentric characters as she races to find the real killer as her life is on the line—keeping you guessing until the end with a nice twist.

As usual, Goudge is a master at character development, and storytelling, with obstacles coming in every direction for an engaging and satisfying read. I was blown away by the inspiration for the book and the events taking place in the author’s own life at the time of writing.

Wow, what can I say, I fell in love with author, Eileen Goudge years ago, and have been a faithful follower since. I will never forgot the day I purchased the Woman in Red, in Florida, which was my first book by Eileen. Something about the front cover was so intriguing—it pulled me in and was hooked. Immediately afterward, started Garden of Liesand worked my way up the list. After reading eighteen of her books, you could say I am a fan, and was delighted to receive an ARC of Bones and Roses. I loved it!

In addition to being a talented writer, Eileen is genuine, and speaks from the heart. She uses her tragedies and turns them into something wonderful. If you have ever communicated with Eileen via email, or Goodreads, via her blog, or read her postings, you will come to know a special and unique person. I speak for all the fans and readers out there – Thank you for being you! You are an inspiration and your words come alive on the page, with stories to warm hearts, and characters to remember, long after the book ends.

I loved Tish, Bradley and Arthur, and especially the vacation rental real estate storyline, as I have managed real estate, vacation rentals, cottages, hotels, and B&B inns for years, and there is always something exciting going on, and life is never dull!

Cannot wait to read the second book in the Cypress Bay Series: SWIMSUIT BODY, (3/1/15) and after reading Goudge’s blog, she describes her outspoken heroine, Tish Ballard, (yeah) will be once embroiled in solving a murder, this one of a world-famous movie star whom she found “tanning” posthumously by the swimming pool at one of the homes she maintains as owner of Rest Easy Property Management, in Cypress Bay, California. Maybe she will put out her sign for her second business, a PI. Yummy!

If you are new to Eileen Goudge books, you are in for a treat! I would highly recommend all her books, and visiting her website to learn more about this extraordinary author.Read more ›

Sometimes when an author is accustomed to writing a particular genre and garners much acclaim for it, changing format can be a bit daunting. Apparently this is NOT the case for Ms. Goudge because she's struck gold again!

In her new Cypress Bay Mystery series, we meet Tish--real estate manager, care-giving sister to a mentally challenged brother and recovering alcoholic. Things are going well for her until she agrees to take delivery of a large package in a storage locker. OMG!! Apparently her mother didn't run off and abandon her son and daughter after all!!

You can now add tenacious investigator to her description!!

Chock full of engaging storyline, quick witted humor, crazy situations and that hint of romance, the Cypress Bay series will be another one readers will want to visit again and again. I know I cannot wait until the next volume comes out!

I don’t normally read mysteries, but I’m a huge Eileen Goudge fan so I had to get Bones and Roses as soon as it came out. I loved it and can’t wait to read the entire series!

The story is absolutely captivating, with so many unexpected twists and turns that I was never able to predict what might happen next. It’s hard to believe that this is Goudge’s first mystery, because she knew just how to build up the suspense, make you think almost anyone could be guilty, and then turn everything around to shock you with the truth!

Eileen Goudge has a rare gift for creating intriguing, complex and well-developed characters. I already knew this because I recently devoured Garden of Lies and The Replacement Wife, which are now two of my all-time favorite books. But I was pleased to discover that even a mystery can also delve deep into the human psyche and relationships in ways that are profoundly moving.

I came to adore Tish and look forward to reading many more books about her adventures. She’s a bit rough around the edges, but that’s one of the many qualities that make her so entertaining and relatable. A recovering alcoholic with a sharp tongue and a talent for breaking and spilling things, Tish’s brutally honest inner dialogue had me laughing at times and tearing up just as often.

The relationships between Tish and all the people in her world are complicated and unpredictable, which made for excellent storytelling. Her interactions with her mentally ill brother were humorous as well as touching and provide meaningful lessons about unconditional love.

The dilemma Tish faced in her love life, including some pretty steamy thoughts and interactions with someone other than her boyfriend, added another delicious level of drama to the story. You’ll have to read the book to find out what I mean by that. But I certainly enjoyed that aspect of the book and needed a cold shower after a few scenes!

I could go on and on about this book and about Eileen Goudge, who is such a talented author, but instead, you should stop reading reviews and grab this book now! You won’t regret it!Read more ›

Eileen gouge has written the first in a wonderful mystery series based In Cypress Bay a town that seems bucolic to the outsider but those who live there know the drama gossip &danger that lurks there.So well written a true pages turner.looking foward to the next in the series.

I just finished "Bones and Roses" and really enjoyed the read. Often, when reading a mystery, I figure out the end way before it happens. This time, I had no idea, no matter how hard I guessed, as to the actual culprit in the story. Congratulations, to Eileen Goudge, on keeping me (and I imagine many, many others) guessing.

Her treatment of Arthur is so touching and delicate. Mental illness is so often misunderstood and not recognized for the heart-breaking illness that it is, both for the individual and the immediate family that has to deal with the illness. Readers will benefit, tremendously, from her teaching on the subject. All of the characters were beautifully painted. The art of describing characters so that the reader gets to know them and can see them clearly is a talent that Eileen has mastered to perfection.

As well, the vivid descriptions of the surroundings gave me a very clear picture of where the action takes place. I'm looking forward, with great anticipation, to the next book in the Cypress Bay series.

More About the Author

I was born on the Fourth of July, and it's been fireworks ever since. I began writing at age eight, with short stories and poems, and I haven't looked back since. From the early days of mostly collecting rejection slips, I went on to publish thirty-two novels for young adults, thirteen (and still counting) of women's fiction, as well as numerous short stories and magazine articles, and one cookbook.

I've since gone on to write many more novels. My most recent novel, BONES AND ROSES, is my first mystery novel and the first in my new Cypress Bay Mystery series. Please visit me on my on my website at www.eileengoudge.com to learn more about the book.